Broward County approves operational funds for streetcar project

In Fort Lauderdale, Fla., "The Wave" modern streetcar has been given unanimous approval by the Broward County Commission and is expected to open by 2016. The county's portion, which funds operating and maintenance costs, is $2.5 million annually.

"This is a gigantic step in public transportation for Broward County. This project will move our county into the next dimension of convenient, accessible and desirable commuter services. It also brings with it amazing economic development opportunities, which will empower us to expand and move forward in a new and bold way," said Broward County Mayor Kristin Jacobs.

Initially, "The Wave" will travel a 1.4-mile loop around inner downtown Fort Lauderdale. The next step, dependent on federal financing, will expand the route to 2.7 miles, encompassing Sistrunk Boulevard to the north and 17th Street to the south. A $50-million Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) grant has been requested to complete the entire 2.7-mile system.

The total cost for building the 2.7-mile "Wave" is approximately $143 million and will come from federal, state and local sources. Funding partners to build the transportation system include the city of Fort Lauderdale, the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority in coordination with FTA and the Florida Department of Transportation.